Fluomizin is a vaginal tablet that is used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis often has no symptoms, but some common signs include:

• fishy-smelling vaginal discharge
• watery, thin, or grey vaginal discharge

Fluomizin tablets are inserted directly into the vagina where they act locally and have an antiseptic effect. You will need a prescription from a doctor to use Fluomizin. You can order Fluomizin vaginal tablets to treat bacterial vaginosis from Superdrug Online Doctor.

Fluomizin works by killing the bacteria responsible for causing bacterial vaginosis. It contains the active ingredient dequalinium chloride which has an antibacterial (antiseptic) effect.

Dequalinium chloride weakens the cell walls of the infecting bacteria, stopping them from releasing important enzymes. This combined effect kills the bacteria and helps to restore the natural balance in your vagina.

How effective is Fluomizin?

Research shows that Fluomizin is as effective as metronidazole tablets for treating bacterial vaginosis. Fluomizin cured bacterial vaginosis in almost 93% of premenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis. However, the biggest difference between Fluomizin and metronidazole is how well they are tolerated.

The same study found that 60% of women tolerated dequalinium chloride very well compared to just 39% of women given metronidazole. There were also fewer adverse effects recorded in the Fluomizin group.

You need to insert Fluomizin tablets directly into your vagina. The usual dose is 1 tablet a day for 6 days.

The general instructions for using Fluomizin in women are:

• use the Fluomizin tablets every evening before bed.
• wash your hands with warm, soapy water before removing the tablet from the blister pack.
• lie down on the bed with your legs slightly bent and insert the vaginal tablet deeply into your vagina.
• do not use Fluomizin during your period. Restart treatment once your period has ended.

Fluomizin tablets contain ingredients which do not fully dissolve, so you may find remains in your underwear. The ingredients won’t stain your underwear, but you may choose to wear a sanitary towel or panty liner if you are worried about this.

You must finish the course of Fluomizin tablets, even if you no longer feel any discomfort. If you use Fluomizin for less than 6 days, the infection may return.

When to use Fluomizin

Ideally, you should insert a Fluomizin tablet into your vagina just before you go to bed.

How often to use Fluomizin

The recommended dose of Fluomizin is one 10mg tablet inserted at night. This should be taken for 6 days.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your Fluomizin tablet, you should just skip the dose and take the next one as usual.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

You can buy Fluomizin from online retailers like Superdrug Online Doctor. You may also be able to get a private prescription from a pharmacy.

Can I buy Fluomizin online?

Yes, Fluomizin can be ordered through Superdrug Online Doctor. It is a quick and easy process, simply:

1. fill in a short health and lifestyle questionnaire
2. order your preferred choice of treatment and make a payment
3. one of our doctors will review your questionnaire answers and your order
4. if approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address
5. if your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options

Can I buy Fluomizin over the counter?

No, you will need a prescription to buy Fluomizin. You cannot buy it over the counter.

Can I get Fluomizin on the NHS?

It may be possible to get the generic form of Fluomizin, dequalinium chloride, on the NHS. You should make an appointment with your GP to find out if Fluomizin is available on the NHS in your area.

Like all medicines, Fluomizin can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common Fluomizin side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• vaginal discharge
• vaginal itching
• vaginal burning
• thrush

Uncommon Fluomizin side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• vaginal bleeding
• vaginal pain
• inflamed vagina (vaginitis)
• headache
• feeling sick (nausea)

Other side effects may include:

• uterine bleeding
• ulcers in the vaginal mucosa
• vaginal redness
• vaginal dryness
• bladder inflammation (cystitis)
• allergic reaction (rash, swelling, itching)
• fever

For a full list of side effects, you can read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medication.

How long do Fluomizin side effects last?

There is limited information about how long Fluomizin side effects will last. As with most medications, side effects can last a few days to a few weeks. You should speak to your doctor if you are finding side effects difficult to manage or if they do not go away.

What to do if you get Fluomizin side effects

Let your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist know if you experience side effects while using Fluomizin. You can also report any side effects you experience, including any that aren’t listed in the patient leaflet to the Yellow Card Scheme.

Fluomizin may not be suitable for everyone because certain medical conditions or medications may interact with the medication and affect its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you are taking any prescribed, over the counter, or herbal medications before using Fluomizin.

Do not use Fluomizin if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication including the active substance dequalinium chloride
• have ulcers on your vagina or cervix
• have not yet had your first period

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor before using Fluomizin to treat bacterial vaginosis.

While using Fluomizin, you should avoid:

• intravaginal soaps, spermicides, or vaginal douches
• unprotected sex
• using it within 12 hours before giving birth to avoid exposure to the newborn

There are several alternative treatments available for bacterial vaginosis, including creams, gels, and tablets.

Alternative Fluomizin treatments available from Superdrug Online Doctor:

• Metronidazole tablets: Oral antibiotic tablets that work by killing the bacteria responsible for causing bacterial vaginosis. They contain the active ingredient metronidazole. You will need a prescription for metronidazole tablets and you will either be prescribed a 1-day or 7-day course.
• Metronidazole gel: Metronidazole or Zidoval gel works in the same way as metronidazole tablets except the gel is inserted directly into your vagina. It is an effective treatment for 91% of women and is used for 5 days. You will need a prescription for metronidazole gel.
• Dalacin cream 2%: Dalacin cream contains the active ingredient clindamycin. It is an antibiotic cream that is applied inside the vagina to stop the growth of bacteria known to cause bacterial vaginosis. The usual dose of Dalacin Cream is one applicator inserted for 3 to 7 nights. You will need a prescription for Dalacin cream.

Can I use Fluomizin while on my period?

No, you should stop Fluomizin treatment while you are on your period. Once your period has stopped, you can restart your treatment.

Is Fluomizin an antibiotic?

No, Fluomizin is not an antibiotic, it is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antiseptic drug.

Can I use Fluomizin with BV cream?

No, you should not use Fluomizin with BV cream.